Stage being set for implosion of old Ormond Memorial

Published: Friday, July 20, 2012 at 5:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 2:29 p.m.

ORMOND BEACH -- It's going to be a Sunday matinee with an explosive ending.

At 7:30 a.m. Sunday, about 150 sticks of dynamite will detonate, reducing the old Ormond Memorial hospital's main seven-story tower to rubble in a matter of seconds.

With two days until the demolition, workers are finishing preparations, while the public is gearing up for one of the largest demolition projects in Volusia County's history.

Rich Lorenz, CEO and president of the Orlando-based demolition company Central Environmental Services Inc., said he is certain the implosion will go smoothly.

"This isn't our first rodeo," he said. "I am extremely confident. I always get a little antsy, but there is no fear. We are here to get this done and get this building on the ground."

Once a bustling center of activity, the hospital stood hollow and empty Thursday. A bulldozer pushed debris against the first story, creating a mound around the structure that will help dampen the dust cloud created by the implosion.

The next step is to place explosive charges in holes drilled into the building's support columns. To prevent flying debris, the columns will be wrapped with a tough protective fabric, followed by a chain-link fence and metal binding.

On Sunday morning, sequential blasts on the first, second and fifth floors will take out the building's supports and send the structure tumbling down in about seven seconds.

Lorenz expects the dust cloud will dissipate quickly, and the disruption will be minimal.

As demolition workers prepare, a nearby Publix plans to capitalize on the event by opening an hour early at 6 a.m. Residents living in an apartment building across the street from the old hospital are even planning an implosion viewing party.

Although no official spectator area has been designated, Ormond Beach officials are encouraging the public to park at Nova Community Park at 440 N. Nova Road.

Gloria Middleton, property manager for The Trails Shopping Center, said she doesn't expect the implosion will cause much of a disruption for surrounding retailers. Publix and Panera Bread are the only businesses in her shopping center that will be open during the implosion.

Both could benefit from spectators grabbing coffee and pastries, Middleton said. She's also curious what could be next for the hospital property.

"We are hoping the demolition will bring in a great new asset to the community," she said.

On Sunday morning, traffic and pedestrians will not be allowed on Sterthaus Drive, Old Kings Road and Memorial Circle during the demolition.

Depending on the wind direction, Nova Road could be closed briefly to allow dust to clear. Spectators will not be permitted to cross Nova Road between Wilmette Avenue and Granada Boulevard during the demolition.

People living within a two-block radius of the hospital are advised to turn off their air conditioners at least 10 minutes before the implosion. Air conditioners can be turned back on at 8 a.m. Commercial structures should cut off their air before 4 a.m. Sunday, according to the demolition company.

Once the tower is imploded, it will take about three months to cart away the debris. Central Environmental Services estimates about 85 percent of the debris will be recycled.

Florida Hospital vacated the Ormond Beach hospital in 2009 to make way for a new medical center off Williamson Boulevard in Daytona Beach. About 100 Florida Hospital officials will watch the demolition from a VIP viewing area, said Darlinda Copeland, chief operating officer at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center.

Copeland, who is overseeing the demolition for Florida Hospital, will push one of the buttons that will trigger the implosion.

Ormond Beach Mayor Ed Kelley said the hospital served the community well over the years, but he's ready for it to come down.

"The past is for memories," he said. "You live in the is and plan for the will be. It's going to offer a tremendous opportunity for all types of redevelopment. It will be nothing but positive for the city of Ormond Beach."

<p>ORMOND BEACH -- It's going to be a Sunday matinee with an explosive ending. </p>
<p>At 7:30 a.m. Sunday, about 150 sticks of dynamite will detonate, reducing the old Ormond Memorial hospital's main seven-story tower to rubble in a matter of seconds. </p>
<p>With two days until the demolition, workers are finishing preparations, while the public is gearing up for one of the largest demolition projects in Volusia County's history. </p>
<p>Rich Lorenz, CEO and president of the Orlando-based demolition company Central Environmental Services Inc., said he is certain the implosion will go smoothly. </p>
<p>"This isn't our first rodeo," he said. "I am extremely confident. I always get a little antsy, but there is no fear. We are here to get this done and get this building on the ground." </p>
<p>Once a bustling center of activity, the hospital stood hollow and empty Thursday. A bulldozer pushed debris against the first story, creating a mound around the structure that will help dampen the dust cloud created by the implosion. </p>
<p>The next step is to place explosive charges in holes drilled into the building's support columns. To prevent flying debris, the columns will be wrapped with a tough protective fabric, followed by a chain-link fence and metal binding. </p>
<p>On Sunday morning, sequential blasts on the first, second and fifth floors will take out the building's supports and send the structure tumbling down in about seven seconds. </p>
<p>Lorenz expects the dust cloud will dissipate quickly, and the disruption will be minimal. </p>
<p>As demolition workers prepare, a nearby Publix plans to capitalize on the event by opening an hour early at 6 a.m. Residents living in an apartment building across the street from the old hospital are even planning an implosion viewing party. </p>
<p>Although no official spectator area has been designated, Ormond Beach officials are encouraging the public to park at Nova Community Park at 440 N. Nova Road. </p>
<p>Gloria Middleton, property manager for The Trails Shopping Center, said she doesn't expect the implosion will cause much of a disruption for surrounding retailers. Publix and Panera Bread are the only businesses in her shopping center that will be open during the implosion. </p>
<p>Both could benefit from spectators grabbing coffee and pastries, Middleton said. She's also curious what could be next for the hospital property. </p>
<p>"We are hoping the demolition will bring in a great new asset to the community," she said. </p>
<p>On Sunday morning, traffic and pedestrians will not be allowed on Sterthaus Drive, Old Kings Road and Memorial Circle during the demolition. </p>
<p>Depending on the wind direction, Nova Road could be closed briefly to allow dust to clear. Spectators will not be permitted to cross Nova Road between Wilmette Avenue and Granada Boulevard during the demolition. </p>
<p>People living within a two-block radius of the hospital are advised to turn off their air conditioners at least 10 minutes before the implosion. Air conditioners can be turned back on at 8 a.m. Commercial structures should cut off their air before 4 a.m. Sunday, according to the demolition company. </p><span style="WIDTH: 305px; FLOAT: right; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><img src="http://www.news-journalonline.com/images/2012/07/19/impmap0720.gif" /></span>
<p>Once the tower is imploded, it will take about three months to cart away the debris. Central Environmental Services estimates about 85 percent of the debris will be recycled. </p>
<p>Florida Hospital vacated the Ormond Beach hospital in 2009 to make way for a new medical center off Williamson Boulevard in Daytona Beach. About 100 Florida Hospital officials will watch the demolition from a VIP viewing area, said Darlinda Copeland, chief operating officer at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center. </p>
<p>Copeland, who is overseeing the demolition for Florida Hospital, will push one of the buttons that will trigger the implosion. </p>
<p>Ormond Beach Mayor Ed Kelley said the hospital served the community well over the years, but he's ready for it to come down. </p>
<p>"The past is for memories," he said. "You live in the is and plan for the will be. It's going to offer a tremendous opportunity for all types of redevelopment. It will be nothing but positive for the city of Ormond Beach."</p><br />
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